Events & Festivals In Kolkata

Melange of colours, food and celebrations mark the festive season

Festivals

Durga Puja

For four days in September-October of each year, life of all Kolkatans revolves around visiting the Puja Pandals dressed in their festive best. This festival dedicated to Goddess Durga brings forth the religious fervour in all Kolkatans. Life size idols of Durga are created. Preparation for this is done months in advance and often the idols deal with current topics. The chants, drumbeats, incense, laughter, the smell of food are all an integral part of the celebrations. Some of the colourful pandals are the ones at Jodhpur Park, College Square, Maddox Square. A visit to Ballygunge and Kaligunge during the festival times is a must.

Rathyatra

The chariot of Lord Jagannath of Puri takes centrestage as it passes in a huge colourful procession through the city. Devotees take turns to pull the giant chariot bearing the idol of Lord Jagannath, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with his brother Balaram and his sister Subhadra.

Fairs and Other Events

Poush Mela

Held over three days in late December at Shantiniketan, cultural shows, prayers, crafts bazaar, folk performances are all organized on the occasion.

Kolkata Book Fair

Kolkatans are known to be ardent readers and writers and true to that the Kolkata Book Fair held in February every year attracts the best in the business from book publishers to writers to young and old readers.

Lexpo

The leather exposition held in December-January every year showcases products and technology of the leather industry. Several medium to small scale enterprises participate in the fair.

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